DCS-7500E-6C2-LC Arista 36 Ports QSFP+ 40G Line Card

Highlight of Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC QSFP+ 40G Line Card  

The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is engineered for high-density cloud networking, virtualization environments, and modern enterprise infrastructures. Designed specifically for the DCS-7508 modular chassis, this advanced networking module delivers scalable 10G and 40G Ethernet connectivity with exceptional switching efficiency and ultra-low latency performance.

General Specification

• Manufacturer: Arista Networks
• Part Number: DCS-7500E-36Q-LC
• Device Type: Line Card

Technical Highlights

• Port Configuration: 36 x QSFP+ 40G
• Compatible Chassis: Arista DCS-7508
• Supported Ethernet Speeds: 10GbE / 40GbE
• Application: Data Center Switching and Aggregation

High-Performance 40G QSFP+ Connectivity

• 36 x QSFP+ 40GbE network ports
• Supports both 10GbE and 40GbE configurations
• Optimized for high-speed east-west traffic
• Advanced switching architecture for low-latency communication
• Designed for scalable enterprise and cloud infrastructures

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• Large-scale enterprise networks
• Cloud computing environments
• High-density server aggregation
• Financial trading infrastructures
• Virtualized data centers
• High-performance computing clusters

Key Networking Advantages

• Enhanced scalability for expanding networks
• Consistent high-speed data transmission
• Reduced latency for real-time applications
• Efficient airflow and thermal management
• Carrier-grade reliability and stability
• Optimized for virtualization and SDN environments

Network Optimization Features

• High-density port configuration
• Flexible cabling and deployment options
• Efficient traffic management capabilities
• Enterprise-class switching performance
• Suitable for top-of-rack and aggregation deployments

Architecture of Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC 40G Line Card

The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC 36-port QSFP+ 40GbE line card is engineered to extend the scalability, throughput, and ultra-low latency capabilities of the Arista 7500E modular switching platform. Designed specifically for high-density cloud environments, enterprise core deployments, large-scale virtualization infrastructures, and hyperscale data center fabrics, this advanced networking module delivers exceptional port density and bandwidth optimization for organizations demanding consistent Layer 2 and Layer 3 performance.

Built for integration with the Arista DCS-7508 chassis platform, the 36-port QSFP+ module supports high-speed Ethernet switching with reliable forwarding capacity and reduced network bottlenecks. Enterprises operating modern storage networks, virtualization clusters, distributed computing platforms, and east-west traffic-heavy architectures benefit from the consistent packet handling and superior switching efficiency provided by this Arista line card.

The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module incorporates enterprise-grade switching silicon capable of handling demanding workloads associated with cloud-native applications, software-defined networking environments, artificial intelligence processing clusters, and high-frequency data transmission requirements. The combination of modular flexibility and high-density connectivity enables network administrators to optimize rack utilization while simplifying cable management and infrastructure expansion.

High-Density QSFP+ Connectivity for Modern Infrastructure

One of the defining characteristics of the Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is its support for thirty-six dedicated QSFP+ interfaces capable of delivering 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across large-scale switching fabrics. The density of these interfaces allows data centers to maximize network throughput while minimizing hardware footprint within core switching environments.

Each QSFP+ port can operate in native 40GbE mode, enabling high-speed interconnectivity between aggregation switches, spine switches, storage systems, and high-performance servers. In many deployments, organizations utilize breakout cable configurations to support multiple 10GbE connections from a single QSFP+ interface, providing deployment flexibility and infrastructure optimization without sacrificing switching performance.

The ability to support both 10GbE and 40GbE networking environments allows enterprises to transition gradually from legacy architectures to modern high-speed Ethernet fabrics. This flexibility is particularly valuable in environments where mixed-speed infrastructure must coexist during phased migration projects or expansion initiatives.

Optimized Port Density for Large-Scale Deployments

Network administrators managing hyperscale facilities frequently require exceptional interface density to support thousands of virtual machines, distributed applications, and large east-west traffic flows. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card provides the scalability required for these demanding scenarios by consolidating large numbers of high-speed interfaces into a single modular component.

By reducing the number of standalone switches required in the network, organizations can streamline management processes, reduce rack space consumption, lower power utilization, and simplify overall infrastructure design. The dense QSFP+ configuration also supports simplified spine-leaf architectures commonly deployed in modern software-defined data centers.

Flexible Breakout Connectivity Options

The QSFP+ interfaces supported by the Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module can often be configured using breakout cables to deliver multiple 10GbE connections from a single 40GbE interface. This capability significantly increases deployment flexibility for enterprises operating hybrid networking environments or requiring gradual infrastructure migration.

Breakout functionality allows organizations to maintain compatibility with existing 10GbE server environments while simultaneously preparing for future 40GbE scalability. This approach minimizes infrastructure disruption and protects existing networking investments.

Compatibility with Arista DCS-7508 Modular Switching Systems

The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is specifically designed for seamless operation within the Arista DCS-7508 modular switch chassis. The 7508 platform provides a scalable architecture optimized for cloud networking, enterprise aggregation, large-scale virtualization, and mission-critical data center operations.

When installed within the DCS-7508 chassis, the 36-port QSFP+ line card contributes to a highly resilient switching environment capable of supporting enormous forwarding capacity and low-latency packet processing. The modular architecture allows enterprises to scale networking infrastructure incrementally according to operational requirements and traffic growth.

The compatibility between the DCS-7500E-36Q-LC and the 7508 chassis ensures proper integration with the system fabric, supervisor modules, cooling systems, and redundant power infrastructure. This integration enables enterprises to deploy high-density switching solutions while maintaining operational consistency and hardware reliability.

Scalable Fabric Integration

Arista modular switches are known for delivering scalable switching fabrics capable of supporting high-throughput east-west traffic patterns across large enterprise and cloud networks. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module integrates directly into this architecture, enabling efficient traffic forwarding between servers, storage arrays, hypervisors, and aggregation layers.

Scalable fabric connectivity is essential for environments utilizing virtualization technologies, containerized workloads, and distributed application platforms. The line card's architecture ensures that data flows remain optimized even under significant traffic loads generated by modern computing environments.

Redundant Infrastructure Support

Mission-critical environments require hardware platforms designed with redundancy and reliability in mind. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card operates within a modular infrastructure capable of supporting redundant supervisors, power supplies, and cooling systems. This redundancy minimizes downtime risks and enhances operational continuity for enterprise applications.

Organizations deploying financial platforms, healthcare systems, telecommunications infrastructure, or cloud-hosted services benefit from the resilience provided by the Arista modular switching ecosystem. Continuous availability remains a key factor in enterprise networking strategies, and the DCS-7500E-36Q-LC contributes directly to that objective.

40GbE Networking Performance  

As network traffic volumes continue to expand due to virtualization, big data analytics, cloud computing, and AI-driven applications, enterprises increasingly require switching infrastructure capable of delivering exceptional throughput. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card addresses these demands through support for high-speed 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

Forty Gigabit Ethernet technology dramatically improves bandwidth availability across data center fabrics and aggregation environments. High-throughput connectivity reduces congestion between servers, storage devices, and application clusters while supporting demanding workloads such as real-time analytics, large-scale database replication, and high-frequency application communication.

The low-latency characteristics of the DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card help optimize application responsiveness and improve user experiences across enterprise computing environments. Reduced latency is especially important for workloads involving storage synchronization, virtual desktop infrastructure, cloud orchestration, and latency-sensitive transactional systems.

Enhanced Throughput for Virtualization Environments

Virtualized infrastructures generate significant east-west traffic between hypervisors, storage arrays, and virtual machines. Traditional networking architectures often struggle to maintain consistent performance levels under these conditions. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is engineered to handle intensive virtualization traffic patterns while preserving switching efficiency.

By supporting high-bandwidth Ethernet connectivity, the module helps reduce oversubscription ratios and improve application communication speeds within VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, and container-based environments. Data center operators can maintain high levels of scalability while supporting growing numbers of virtual workloads.

Support for Cloud Networking Architectures

Cloud service providers and enterprise cloud deployments require networking platforms capable of supporting rapid scalability, automation, and distributed traffic patterns. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module enables efficient cloud networking by delivering dense high-speed connectivity for spine-leaf architectures and software-defined networking deployments.

Organizations implementing private cloud, hybrid cloud, or multi-cloud infrastructures benefit from the module's ability to maintain consistent performance across dynamic workloads. The combination of high port density and scalable throughput helps cloud environments remain responsive under fluctuating demand conditions.

Low Latency Packet Processing

Latency-sensitive applications such as algorithmic trading platforms, database synchronization systems, high-performance computing clusters, and streaming services require networking hardware capable of minimizing packet delay. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module is optimized for low-latency switching operations, ensuring rapid data transmission across interconnected environments.

Efficient packet forwarding contributes to better application responsiveness and reduced communication delays between distributed services. This capability is particularly valuable in enterprise environments where real-time performance directly impacts operational productivity and service quality.

Enterprise Data Center Deployment Scenarios

The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is widely applicable across a variety of enterprise and data center networking scenarios. Its combination of high-speed Ethernet connectivity, scalable architecture, and modular compatibility makes it suitable for organizations operating complex networking infrastructures.

Large enterprises frequently deploy the module within core aggregation layers to interconnect access switches, storage systems, server farms, and virtualization clusters. The line card also performs effectively within spine switches supporting leaf-spine architectures designed for scalable east-west traffic management.

In colocation facilities and managed hosting environments, the module helps providers deliver high-bandwidth connectivity to multiple tenants while maintaining efficient traffic isolation and network segmentation. The dense port configuration reduces equipment requirements and supports streamlined rack deployments.

High-Performance Computing Applications

High-performance computing environments generate enormous amounts of inter-node traffic requiring low-latency and high-bandwidth networking infrastructure. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card provides the throughput required for distributed processing clusters, scientific computing workloads, and AI training environments.

Efficient communication between compute nodes is essential for minimizing processing delays and maximizing cluster performance. The module's high-speed Ethernet interfaces contribute to faster data movement across HPC environments and support improved computational efficiency.

Big Data and Analytics Infrastructure

Big data platforms often involve continuous movement of large datasets between storage clusters, analytics engines, and application servers. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card helps support these operations through high-capacity networking designed to reduce congestion and improve throughput consistency.

Analytics environments utilizing Hadoop, Spark, distributed databases, or AI-driven workloads benefit from the module's scalable architecture and efficient packet forwarding capabilities. Reliable high-speed networking enables faster data processing and improved application responsiveness.

Advanced Networking Features and Switching Capabilities

The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card supports enterprise networking environments requiring advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. Modern enterprise networks rely on features such as VLAN segmentation, routing optimization, multicast support, network virtualization, and traffic engineering to maintain scalability and operational efficiency.

When integrated within the Arista EOS ecosystem, the module contributes to highly programmable and automated network infrastructures. Arista EOS is known for delivering advanced automation functionality, consistent software architecture, and extensibility for modern network operations.

The modular line card architecture supports flexible deployment strategies while enabling organizations to implement advanced traffic management policies and network segmentation techniques. This flexibility is essential for enterprises operating dynamic application environments with evolving connectivity requirements.

Software-Defined Networking Integration

Software-defined networking continues to transform enterprise infrastructure by introducing centralized management, automation, and programmable traffic control. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card integrates effectively into SDN environments, supporting scalable connectivity for virtualized network overlays and automated orchestration systems.

Enterprises implementing SDN architectures benefit from improved operational visibility, simplified network provisioning, and enhanced scalability. The line card contributes to these advantages by delivering high-speed switching performance within programmable networking ecosystems.

VXLAN and Network Virtualization Support

Modern data center environments increasingly utilize VXLAN technology to support scalable network virtualization across distributed infrastructures. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC module helps facilitate these deployments by providing high-throughput connectivity for overlay network traffic.

Network virtualization technologies allow organizations to create isolated tenant environments, extend Layer 2 networks across distributed data centers, and improve workload mobility. The module's scalable architecture supports these capabilities while maintaining consistent switching efficiency.

Automation and Programmability

Automation has become a critical component of enterprise network management. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card operates within environments that support automated provisioning, configuration management, telemetry collection, and network orchestration.

Organizations utilizing infrastructure-as-code methodologies and automated deployment frameworks benefit from the consistency and programmability associated with Arista networking solutions. These capabilities help reduce manual administrative overhead while improving deployment accuracy and operational scalability.

Thermal Efficiency and Data Center Optimization

Efficient thermal management is essential in modern data center environments where high-density networking equipment generates significant heat output. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card is engineered for operation within optimized airflow architectures that help maintain stable temperatures and reliable system performance.

By supporting high-density connectivity within a modular chassis environment, the line card contributes to improved rack-level efficiency and reduced equipment sprawl. Consolidating large numbers of interfaces into fewer hardware components simplifies infrastructure design and improves airflow optimization.

Power efficiency also remains an important consideration for enterprise and cloud operators seeking to reduce operational costs. High-density modular networking platforms help improve energy utilization while supporting scalable connectivity requirements.

Rack Space Optimization

Data center rack space represents a valuable resource, particularly in colocation facilities and hyperscale environments where density and scalability are critical operational factors. The DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card allows organizations to maximize network capacity while minimizing hardware footprint.

Reduced equipment sprawl contributes to simplified cable management, easier maintenance procedures, and more efficient airflow distribution within server racks. High-density modular switching solutions also support streamlined infrastructure expansion as organizational networking requirements evolve.

Long-Term Scalability for Growing Networks

Enterprise networking requirements continue to expand due to increasing cloud adoption, remote connectivity demands, data-intensive applications, and virtualization growth. The Arista DCS-7500E-36Q-LC line card provides a scalable foundation for long-term infrastructure planning.

Organizations investing in modular networking platforms benefit from the ability to scale incrementally through additional line card deployments rather than complete infrastructure replacement. This modular scalability helps protect capital investments while supporting future bandwidth growth.

The flexibility to support both 10GbE and 40GbE connectivity also enables smoother migration paths toward higher-speed Ethernet standards. Enterprises can gradually modernize networking environments while maintaining compatibility with existing systems and operational workflows.